Women, infants, and children cash value voucher (CVV) use in Arizona: a qualitative exploration of barriers and strategies related to fruit and vegetable purchases.

OBJECTIVE

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) cash value vouchers (CVV) have been inconsistently redeemed in Arizona. The objective of this study was to explore perceived barriers to use of CVV as well as strategies participants use to overcome them.

DESIGN

Eight focus groups were conducted to explore attitudes and behaviors related to CVV use.

SETTING

Focus groups were conducted at 2 WIC clinics in metro-Phoenix, AZ.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants in WIC who were at least 18 years of age and primarily responsible for buying and preparing food for their households.

PHENOMENON OF INTEREST

Perceived barriers to CVV use and strategies used to maximize their purchasing value.

ANALYSIS

Transcripts were analyzed using a general inductive approach to identify emergent themes.

RESULTS

Among 41 participants, multiple perceived barriers emerged, such as negative interactions in stores or confusion over WIC rules. Among experienced shoppers, WIC strategies also emerged to deal with barriers and maximize CVV value, including strategic choice of times and locations at which to shop and use of price-matching, rewards points, and other ways to increase purchasing power.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Arizona WIC participants perceived barriers that limit easy redemption of CVV. Useful strategies were also identified that could be important to explore further to improve WIC CVV purchasing experiences.